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Morcellators – Still Being Used Despite Risks

The risks associated with power morcellation surgery have been firmly established, and lawsuits from plaintiffs who have seen sarcomas spreading as the result of a relatively simple procedure are being filed. Johnson & Johnson, already dealing with massive litigation over other products, has ceased all manufacture and sales of morcellators, issuing a voluntary recall of the devices from hospitals this past July.  Why then, are doctors still doing morcellation surgeries?

Part of it is a disagreement in the medical community over the risks and benefits of morcellation. On one side are surgeons who believe data is insufficient and that risks of spreading cancer through the procedure are closer to 1 in 1300 – not the 1 in 350 figure that has been given by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Other surgeons cite research indicating that morcellation allows sarcomas to recur in a shorter time while increasing a woman's risk of death. There is one point of agreement on both sides of the debate: the risks are higher for older women.

It is suggested by some (not without cause) that a significant reason for the continued use of morcellation has to do with money. Certainly, there is a dismal track record when it comes to the for-profit medical device and pharmaceutical industry marketing treatments that do more harm than good. As one commentator pointed out, “If we are cured, nobody makes money.”

Such cynicism is understandable, though it is unlikely that the industry is purposely engaged in a nefarious plot to make people sick. Nonetheless, it is true that too many drugs and medical devices have been rushed to market without proper studies and research, as these profit-driven companies prioritize revenue and stock price over safety.

As long as health care in the U.S. continues to be a commodity rather than a public service, expect more of the same.

For more information regarding the morcellator issues, please visit Levin Papantonio's web page dedicated to the Morcellator Lawsuit or call toll free 800-277-1193.

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